Introduction

The E Class history can be traced back to the 1950s, but the E Class was officially the badge of a Mercedes mid size sedan in 1994. The E Class is also one of the most well known models from the German car maker. The car has gone through multiple design changes and it is hard to say which generation it is currently apart of. The most recent facelift happened in 2013. The E Class competes with other high end luxury cars such as the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series.

Design & Styling

Most all Mercedes cars are based on the E Class design. Every other model takes design cues from this legendary model and the car is probably one of the most widely recognized designs in the world. The large front chrome grille with the three-pointed star, the rectangular headlights that now swoop back, and the sharp lines along the body that give the car an angled look on the road are typical of the E Class and have paved the way for all other Mercedes cars. The latest generation E Class comes with large alloy wheels and even more accentuated lines to make it more modern and aggressive on the road. The car is very long and is just under 5 metres.

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Interiors

The new Interior design of the Mercedes is E Class is also common in all of their cars. The one thing we don’t like is the overuse of the buttons and switches that make the car seem more like an airplane cockpit. But the fact remains that the cabin is still one of the most comfortable ones in the market. The dashboard and instrument cluster is designed well and the buttons all illuminate very well at night. Then there is lots of space for all passengers and the seats are just extremely comfortable. There are also multiple storage compartments and plenty if space in the boot as well. Overall this car is as luxurious as it can possibly be.

Engine & Transmission

There are 2 engine options, a 1991cc petrol engine with 184bhp, but we drove the 204bhp 2143cc diesel engine. This is one of the best diesel engines from Mercedes and it has been engineered and tuned to perfection. The engine is once again mated to a very special 7-speed automatic gearbox.

Performance and Handling

The E Class is a very good performer on the road, but its not really a driver’s car. Sure you get lots of power and plenty of torque, but that’s the only thing really going for this car if you are the driver. The steering response is slow, the suspension is soft and its soo comfortable inside that you might even fall asleep when you are driving on the highway. This is a luxury sedan meant for people who love to be whisked around by a butler or driver. Nothing about the car is appealing enough for us to want to drive one.

Fuel Efficiency

We managed to get around 11kmpl on average.

Features

As standard equipment you get power steering and steering mounted controls, power windows, electrically adjustable seats and full automatic climate control, cruise control, multi function display, in-built audio system with very nice speakers and a central infotainment controller and now they also come with start/stop button, and that is exactly what the E Class features. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof and Nappa leather seats.

Safety

Once again all Mercedes cars come with standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Acceleration Skid Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights, multiple airbags, and remote central locking. Then there is a PARKTRONIC system with reverse camera, ATTENTION Assist and Agility Control.

Quality & Reliability

This is a luxury machine, so quality is the best out there. It is also very well built and engineered so it is highly reliable. Components can sometimes be a problem and servicing is expensive, especially in the monsoon seasons, electrical failures can happen.

Value for Money

It is definitely worth the money you spend, if you don’t mind the high import duty on it.

Verdict

The car is expensive but it comes with the best features, and best safety technology, not to mention the most elegant and sophisticated cabin for its occupants. It is a fast car indeed, but its not what you call a good driver’s car. If you are thinking about getting a nice driving car skip the E Class, but if you prefer comfort and luxury this is a damn good car.

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